To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to take forward the recommendations in the Transport Scotland report, “‘There’s an app for that!’—Women’s Safety on Public Transport in Scotland”. (S6O-03513)

It is unacceptable for anyone—especially women and girls—to feel unsafe travelling on public transport in Scotland, including on our railway. On 15 May, I met British Transport Police to discuss how we might prevent and reduce antisocial behaviour on Scotland’s railway. That included consideration of campaigns that promote and encourage the use of the Railway Guardian app. That app is operated by British Transport Police, which keeps under review how it might be enhanced. It can be downloaded via the British Transport Police website or via the App Store or the Google Play Store.

More generally, through the violence against women and girls policy forum, discussions continue about the role that technology can play in awareness raising, education and empowerment to create sustainable societal and behavioural change as part of a broader community safety approach in Scotland.

I am pleased to hear that the cabinet secretary has spoken to British Transport Police. However, I am sure that she agrees that women should not have to rely on apps to ensure their safety on public transport. Given that, what progress is the Scottish Government making with regard to the changes that were identified in its own report in March last year, such as on transparent bus stops, improved network coverage and visible staffing—guards on trains, for example, which was backed by my friends in the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers?

The visibility of staff is really important, and there has been an increase in the safety team that operates in and targets particular areas.

Graham Simpson is right to say that everybody has a responsibility. That includes men on trains. The “Speak up, interrupt” campaign, which was launched in July 2022, has had a good uptake. There is something about how we, as a society, collectively tackle antisocial behaviour. I was very pleased that, at my most recent stakeholder meeting, the White Ribbon UK campaign was very good at identifying how, generally, men and women—particularly men—can help in that regard.

I am happy to continue that discussion with Mr Simpson.